For all new approved applications received from April 1, 2013 onwards, matched members will enjoy Elevate elite perks through June 30, and have until June 30 to earn sufficient Elevate Status Points in order to retain their Gold or Silver status through the end of 2013.

Matched members can qualify faster to retain their status by applying for the Virgin America Visa Signature Credit Card.

Elevate members with Silver or Gold status with United, Gold or Platinum status with American, or A-List or A-List Preferred status with Southwest will receive Silver status with Virgin America. Elevate members with Platinum or 1K status with United, Executive Platinum status with American, or Companion Pass status with Southwest will receive Gold status with Virgin America.

Status will remain in effect through June 30, 2013, and can be extended through the end of 2013 by earning the following Elevate status points by April 30:

To have their status matched, Elevate members must provide either a copy or screenshot of their most recent mileage summary, or a copy of their elite membership card.

Restrictions: Matched members will not receive 25 percent off personal discount codes. Matched members will receive one complimentary day pass to the Virgin America airport lounge at LAX. Matched members may not have access to all reciprocal benefits on Virgin Atlantic and Virgin Australia that require the member to present their membership cards.

Discounts of 25 percent on a non-refundable Main Cabin ticket — one per year for Silver, two for Gold

Free checked bag allowances

Dedicated elite phone lines

No complimentary first-class upgrades, it’s true. But otherwise, Virgin America’s package of elite perks is pretty robust, comparable in most respects with those of the legacy carriers.

If Virgin America’s route network is a good fit with your travel patterns, and you’re in a position to take advantage of this match, give it a try. The price is right, and you might discover a new airline worthy of your business.